Head Of Communications

SMITHS DETECTION MAKING THE WORLD A SAFER PLACE

Every minute of every day, in nearly every country across the globe, Smiths Detection people and technology make the world a safer place. We safeguard people, business and infrastructure with the latest innovations and screening technology for aviation, ports, borders, defense, and security across 55 countries around the globe

Life At Smiths –

• Global leader: We impact critical systems every day with sites in 17 countries and six centers of research excellence. From pioneering to powering life-changing innovation, we’re delivering threat detection and screening solutions to safeguard the world from threat
• Digital growth: A key part of our capability is the integration of digital technology across our business and our operations in more than 55 countries, will be critical to our continued success
• Exciting opportunities: Our growth is creating exciting opportunities to work with experts in physics, chemistry, electronics, mechanics, production, computer science, and AIML
• International environment: With some projects, work requires global collaboration and the potential to travel and grow with the business

Job Description

Smiths Detection is a global authority on the application, management and manufacture of world class detection and screening technology. Every minute of every day, our detection and screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.
Our goal is simple – to provide the security, peace of mind and freedom of movement upon which the world depends. We deliver the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibitive weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals and narcotics.

The facility at Hemel Hempstead manufactures trace detection equipment based on Ion Mobility Spectrometry technology and products such as the Ionscan 600 and the Lightweight Chemical Detector have an excellent reputation for performance and reliability in worldwide use.

The Head of Communications will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive internal and external communications and public relations strategy to support Smiths Detection’s overall global business objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)

• Owns the development and execution of corporate communications in line with global marketing strategy.
• Works closely with business functions to develop compelling value propositions.
• Leads the development of corporate materials (videos, presentations, brochures etc) – including liaising with internal contributors, writing, editing and proofing copy, and coordinating the production process and distribution.
• Drives Smiths Detection’s public relations and media engagement strategy in cooperation with regional and global marketing managers, that represents Smiths Detection in a positive manner globally while strengthening our brand image.
• Manages crisis communications in liaison with the Marketing Communications Director.
• Works directly with senior leadership team members advising them on external communication best practices.
• Provides interface into Smiths Group Media and Investor Relations teams.
• Acts a as press liaison for projects and announcements.
• Supports corporate initiatives and contributes to the correct messaging to investors and analysts.
• Manages the relationships with external agencies.
• Budget management.
• Lead and develop the External Communications team.
• Owns the social media strategy and works with stakeholders across the business to identify and develop content ideas.
• Engages and grows our follower base on key social media channels, including use paid social advertising. Own the overall delivery, development and outcomes of our internal communications strategy in line with evolving business needs.
• Write and/or oversee engaging and exciting communications to drive key messages across all channels (emails, newsletters, employee app, events, etc.) and drive increased engagement with our channels.
• Act as a trusted advisor to our Senior Leadership Team and Extended Senior Leadership Team, in their communications to employees, suggest/enrich scripts for their internal talks, town halls, internal events etc.
• Ensure that internal and external messaging have a unified voice and consistent messaging, working with the Marketing community (e.g. product launches, organisational announcements, acquisitions, industry news and events, employer branding campaigns, etc.)
• Act as a subject matter expert; advising stakeholders on effective communications including channels mix, presentation support, communications planning, key messages development, and best practice.
• Lead / contribute to key cross-functional strategic projects outside of the direct internal communications strategy.
• Lead and develop the Internal Communications team, while being accountable for what Internal Communications deliver to our internal stakeholders and/or audiences.

About you

• Master’s degree in business, Marketing, Communications or related field of study (essential).
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in similar position.
• Experience working in B2B industry or agency.
• Experience across a range of sectors, preferably including the security sector.
• Excellent writing ability with extensive experience in all forms of corporate and executive communication, from business media news releases to executive talking points.
• Ability to communicate complex information accurately, both verbally and in writing.
• Proven experience in building and implementing innovative, high-impact campaigns across all relevant channels and media (including social media) and aligning strategy with business goals and results.
• Deep and broad global business acumen, including practice in measuring the cost and ROI of Communications campaigns.
• Excellent understanding of digital communications best practice.
• Experience working in a global matrix organization.
• Comfortable interacting with senior stakeholders across the business.
• Knowledge of online communications tools such as SharePoint, mass email systems and social media.
• Highly organised and conscientious, with strong attention to detail and the ability to set up systems and processes to manage projects and campaigns.
• The ability to work under pressure, priorities, respond quickly to changing requirements and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong creativity.
• Experience in crisis management and providing leadership and direction to develop fast, effective techniques to mitigate risks.
• Experience managing external partners / consultants as required.
• Ability to seamlessly move from strategy to hands-on implementation and back again.

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Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity. We have several employee-led Employee Resources Groups (women@work, Black Employees Network, Veterans, Pride Network) providing support, enhancing career development, and contributing to personal development in the work environment and beyond.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing.